Coy Flat Campground – Sequoia National Forest, California

Coy Flat Campground is a quiet, forested retreat located near the small mountain community of Camp Nelson in the Sequoia National Forest. Tucked among towering ponderosa pines, cedars, and firs, this mid-elevation campground offers cool summer temperatures, fresh mountain air, and a peaceful setting ideal for families, hikers, and anyone looking to enjoy the Western Sierra Nevada without crowds. With its shaded sites and gentle terrain, Coy Flat provides a classic high-country camping experience.

Location & Setting

Coy Flat sits at roughly 5,000 feet of elevation above the Tule River drainage, just minutes from the mountain town of Camp Nelson. The area is surrounded by dense conifer forest with pockets of meadows and creek-fed drainages nearby. The high forest canopy provides abundant shade, and the cooler mountain environment is a welcome escape from the Central Valley heat during summer months. Its location along Highway 190 places it within an easy drive of several scenic lookouts, historic groves, and forest recreation areas.

Campground Overview

Coy Flat Campground features a modest number of sites arranged along a single, lightly traveled loop. Campsites are generally large, level, and well spaced, making them suitable for tents, trailers, and small to mid-sized RVs. The campground’s forested layout provides excellent shade and natural privacy. Compared to busier riverfront campgrounds in the Kern River Canyon, Coy Flat offers a more tranquil, mountain-forest experience with fewer crowds and less road noise—ideal for visitors looking to unwind.

Amenities

Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and designated parking pads. The campground provides vault toilets and typically offers seasonal potable water, though visitors should always confirm water availability before arriving. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations, keeping the experience quiet and rustic. Services such as groceries, dining, and fuel are available just minutes away in Camp Nelson, making Coy Flat a convenient balance of forest seclusion and access to basic amenities.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

The Coy Flat area is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the mid-elevation Sierra forests. Popular nearby trails include the Camp Nelson Trail, Slate Mountain Trail, and several routes that wind through old-growth conifers and scenic ridge lines. The nearby Tule River offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking, while numerous viewpoints along Highway 190 showcase sweeping vistas of the western Sierra slopes. Because the campground sits away from major highways and river corridors, nighttime skies are particularly dark—making it a rewarding place for stargazing.

Summary

Coy Flat Campground offers a peaceful, shady, and family-friendly camping experience in the Sequoia National Forest. With its spacious sites, cool summer temperatures, nearby trails, and convenient access to the amenities of Camp Nelson, it’s an excellent choice for visitors seeking a classic Sierra Nevada forest campground. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing beneath tall pines, or exploring nearby mountain viewpoints, Coy Flat provides a refreshing and quiet retreat in the high-country woods.